Chih Bing hungry for glory at Asian Tour International

Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing returns to Thailand for the season-opening Asian Tour International today, full of confidence after winning his first Asian Tour title in December.

The US$300,000 at the Suwan Golf and Country Club, which starts today, is Lam’s first outing since his victory at the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok in December.

“I’m hoping to ride on my new-found confidence following my victory. The course this week is in good condition. The greens are slightly tricky and that is likely going to be the key this week,” said Lam.

Last season the Singapore No. 1 finished sixth at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters, runner-up at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open before registering his maiden Asian Tour victory.

“After my win at the Volvo Masters of Asia, I wanted to keep going as I was in good form and I didn’t want it to end just yet,” said Lam. “I really have good memories here and one of my favourite cities is definitely Bangkok,” added the Singaporean. I played a lot of cards and mah-jong with Unho (Park) during the season break and also spent time with my family.

“I’ve enjoyed a good rest as I know it is going to be another long year ahead but I’m looking forward to it,” said Lam.

Taiwan’s Lin Wen-tang, a four-time Asian Tour winner, will be among the tournament favourites after a career-best season in 2008. He finished second on the Order of Merit and rose to 49th place in the world rankings. “I haven’t played much golf since my last event (Volvo Masters of Asia) as it was really cold and wet in Taipei.

“However, I’m slowly getting myself to acclimatise to the weather here again and hope to do well in my title defence,” said Lin.

The strong Asian Tour International field also includes local favourites Thaworn Wiratchant, Boonchu Ruangkit and Prayad Marksaeng, South Korea’s Noh Seung-yul and Angelo Que, from the Philippines.